In Rome, the preparations for the conclave reach the climax after Wednesday 07.05.2025 cardinals They will be locked up in the Sistina hats to elect the new Pope. On Monday, the 133 Cardinal Electors, who will take part in the start of the new Pope’s election process on the afternoon, arrived in the Italian capital.
Journalists from all over the world are cravings trying to get some item, a hint for the Who will succeed Pope Francis And the cardinals – who are responsible for the election of a new Pontiff – enjoy this week in Rome as ‘Rock star’, Since all the looks of the planet are on them and literally millions of faithful hang on their lips.
Rumors and nomenclature circulates faster than tiramisu dishesnotes Guardianwhile the restaurants and cafes around the Vatican are playing the backdrop of the most secretive election in the world: the new Pope.
Some journalists defy the warm spring sun, others are looking for a little cool. The goal remains the same: to locate the Cardinals with the red covers on the head coming out of the Hall of the Summit and to get them out about who Pope Francis’ successor will be.
Marina Garcia Dieget is one of the journalists who have been camping outside the Vatican. Although root in the conclave, he quickly understood the cunning methods of the cardinals to get rid of journalists.
“Everyone has their own strategy,” says Dieget, who works for the Spanish radio station Cadena Ser and MediaISet España. “Some already have cars with tinted windows waiting for them to leave quickly. Others take off the red covers and leave on foot, crossing St. Peter’s Square, to get lost among the tourists and escape via della conciliazione. “
At that moment, he says, this is the best opportunity to … crush them.
Dieget managed to get statements from some, such as Italian cardinal Fernando Philoni, whose name is heard strongly for the papal throne. The Guardian’s attempt to follow him was not so successful. “I’m not talking English, and right now is very good”, He jokingly said an Argentine Cardinal before he kindly added to Italian: “But we work very well.” He was subsequently removed discreetly.
About 180 cardinals from all over the world gather every morning in the Hall of the Synod to get to know each other, to share their vision for the church, and to end up with a candidate. Of them, 133 are electors (Two withdrew their participation for health reasons).
The 8 out of 10 of them have been set by Pope Francis, With 20 to become cardinals just last December. Pope Francis chose consciously cardinals from places that never had such a spokesman before, such as Myanmar, Haiti and Rwanda. Many of them have met for the first time recently.
During Conclavium, the cardinals will be isolated in austere hostels of Casa Santa Marta – Where Pope Francis lived – and in the Sistina hats, where the vote will take place.
They swear silence before each meeting, and they will do the same when the election process begins.
However, until they are isolated, the real discussions take place in cafes and restaurants around the Vatican. Some cardinals, more sly, take advantage of the presence of journalists to leak information or to undermine key candidates.
The restaurant At the Borgo Pasteron Borgo Pio, has been a favorite hangout of Rome’s clergy for years. According to a framed article on the wall, it was the place where cardinals conspired with carbonara and Tiramisu For the election of Joseph Ratsinger’s, his Pope Benedict XVI, 2005.
Sean Patrick O’Maley, an American cardinal leading a committee to prevent the abuse of minors by clergy, was among the customers this week. Although 80 years old and out of the election process, some people refer it as a possible pope.
Another bastard was Donald Werl, who resigned in 2018 due to handling of abuse scandal.
THE Owner of the restaurant, Antonelo Fulvimarihe says that all he managed to learn from his high customers is that they want the concussion to finish ‘As soon as possible’. “Everyone wants to go back to their homes,” he adds. “But here the real decisions are made.”
Another popular hangout is the Marcantonio restaurantalthough according to a waiter, the presence of cardinals has been reduced due to the pressure of journalists.
The cardinals who want to spread rumors are mainly aimed at experienced Italian journalists in the Vatican. Undermine the credibility of candidates, such as Pianter Parolinsaying he has health problems. Luis Antonio Tangle, from the Philippines and favorite, He was criticized by conservatives when he released a video of John Lennon’s “Imagine”.
Another meeting point seems to be the Caffè dei Papia coffee in Via Vespasiano. “I never know when it’s here,” says Director Ilda. “I’m learning from the newspapers.”
As expected, the main topic of discussion is who will be elected Pope. “I think it must be someone who hugs everyone,” says Ilda.
Vincenzo Aru, a concierge in a adjacent building and former Catholic, is more cynical. “I’m just glad they cleaned up the streets,” he says. “This is done only when a pope dies.”